Not Much Chemo maybe?

Just_lori6 · January 2016

Hi everyone, I hope you are all doing wonderfully.

I just have a question about chemo. I do have an appointment with the oncologist on Thursday but I'm curious. I've only had two treatments so far.

I am only in treatment for under 2 hours each time and I have a very small bag of fluid they give me and then they give me what the nurse called the red demon which is a huge syringe she pushes through the IV. I do get a small bag of anti nausea medicine & steroids in the beginning as well.

My question is: is this normal? I see so many people getting larger amounts while I am there. I know alot of them are being treated for different illnesses so we would not all be the same. My husband says maybe I won't have as many side effects (losing hair, nails etc) because maybe I'm not getting as much as some. I have gotten sick both times so I haven't missed out on that one. 8/

I don't know~ they diagnosed me stage 3C so I would think that would require a certain amount of chemo. I am happy to only be there for 2 hours I just wonder and worry 8)

Thanks for any advice ~ have a great evening!

christald21 · January 2016

Chemo

I was diagnosed with stage 3. I know everyone is different, and different treatments. I didn't have surgery until i was done with Chemo. My first treatment was for 6 hours because they had to moniter with almost every medicine they gave me, for instant side effects. After the first treatment I only had to go for 3 hours a session. I had to go every 21 days. Are you going every 3 weeks for treatment or are they sooner.

If i were you, any questions, i would call your doctor, or even talk to the Dr.s Nurse.

Good luck with everything. I know how chemo is and it is a ****. They do have drugs for all the nausea and side effects, but still taking pills suck too. I know what your going through. Hang in there, it will be over soon. I know, right now it feels like forever because i felt the same way. Now that is has been 3 months, I have gotten all my taste buds back, my energy, my hair is growing back, and no more nausea,,,

You will soon experience this!!

Puffin2014 · January 2016

volume of chemo

I'm a nurse - volume of the chemo and how long it infuses has nothing to do with how powerful it is at fighting the cancer. The "red demon" is called that because that's what it is - a very strong powerful cancer med.

desertgirl947 · January 2016

I went every other week for a

I went every other week for a total of 8 infusions -- 4 of adriamycin (or something like that)/cytoxan, and 4 of taxol. Before THE chemo drug itself, I was given a small cup with some pills in it (I forget the names of those drugs) and then a small drip. I think that they were to help minimize the side effects. One of the NPs told me at one point that I had enough "anti-puke" meds in that to carry from Monday through Wednesday. So, I didn't take anything, other that a few days of a steroid, until Wednesday night or Thursday morning. The anti-puke drugs (pills) I did take worked well. I only needed them during the AC phase. At worse, I had a few days of queasiness. My NP/Onc said that if my pills did not do the trick to let them know. They would change the prescription to something else.

One thing about length of time has to do with the speed of the drip. I say that because I had a little trouble with the taxol the last two times. They had to stop the drip, give me a small bag of benadryl and then re-try. If things went well, then I could finish that round. If things still went awry, the session would end and the onc would have to try something else and I return the following Monday. The last infusion, the med people gave me that extra bag of benadryl at the start to ward off a similar problem as the time before. BUT, again I had a reaction. They stopped the drip, gave me a small bag drip of demoryl (something like that). They resumed the taxol, but slowed the drip down considerably to see how things would go. After about 10 minutes, I had had no reaction, and so they upped the drip a little more. It was not at the initial rate, but the goal was to get me through it AND done with chemo.

I could never start infusions until the onc arrived (satellite center). He often was running late, as he had to travel about a half hour from the med center. So, although I was to be at the place at 10:00, I often did not get started until 10:30-10:45. I got done quicker with the AC than with the Taxol. So, initially, I was on my way home between 1:00-1:30. That final taxol, with all the preliminaries and still a problem and then a slowed drip . . . I was there until about 3:30 or 4:00.

I have come to the conclusion that different med people do all of this differently, and so it is difficult to give you a definite answer to questions you may have. BUT, I do know that whatever we all share here gives you some ideas of what you may encounter. Even with that, there are still apt to be surprises. For me, it was that taxol usually gets that negative reaction the first time it is given, not the third and fourth times . . . A had a few other surprises, but those were more along the lines of side effects that may have come from either the AC or the taxol OR all three together.

Teach76 · January 2016

Chemo timing

Hi, Lori

As you stated, others are not being treated for the same dx. You are receiving just what your onco ordered. Glad you are feeling well with treatments, and side effects are manageable. I found that my side effects became predictable, but the muscle fatigue increased exponentially. Now, this may not happen to you. Each patient is different, and even if 2 people receive the same meds, they may not have the same SE.

Take care,

Kathy

jessiesmom1 · January 2016

Teach76 said:
Chemo timing
Hi, Lori

As you stated, others are not being treated for the same dx. You are receiving just what your onco ordered. Glad you are feeling well with treatments, and side effects are manageable. I found that my side effects became predictable, but the muscle fatigue increased exponentially. Now, this may not happen to you. Each patient is different, and even if 2 people receive the same meds, they may not have the same SE.

Take care,

Kathy

Personalized Chemo

FYI the "red devil" is the chemo drug Adriamycin. I had 4 rounds of Adriamycin/Cytoxan and 12 rounds of Taxotere. I was never in the infusion area for more than a couple of hours. I had many side effects but none that required on site medical supervision (such as difficulty breathing). I lost hair and fingernails, had massively watery eyes, lost the desire to eat, was mildly nauseated and was very tired. Like others have said, you can't compare yourself with the people sitting around you because you don't know what they're being treated for. You can't even compare your treatment regimen to that of another breast cancer patient. The variables are endless. The rate of drip has nothing to do with effectiveness. If, however, you have doubts about anything involving your treatment don't hesitate to ask your doctor or someone on staff. Knowledge is power.

IRENE

VickiSam · January 2016

jessiesmom1 said:
Personalized Chemo
FYI the "red devil" is the chemo drug Adriamycin. I had 4 rounds of Adriamycin/Cytoxan and 12 rounds of Taxotere. I was never in the infusion area for more than a couple of hours. I had many side effects but none that required on site medical supervision (such as difficulty breathing). I lost hair and fingernails, had massively watery eyes, lost the desire to eat, was mildly nauseated and was very tired. Like others have said, you can't compare yourself with the people sitting around you because you don't know what they're being treated for. You can't even compare your treatment regimen to that of another breast cancer patient. The variables are endless. The rate of drip has nothing to do with effectiveness. If, however, you have doubts about anything involving your treatment don't hesitate to ask your doctor or someone on staff. Knowledge is power.

IRENE

Just Lori

How are things going? YOU DOING OKAY?..

Vicki Sam

camul · January 2016

that was like mine at one time.

I got Cytoxin and the Red Devil, which is the iv push real name Adriamycin. I had it again, the Adriamycin again with just the anti nausea 2 1/2 years ago. I have had 6 different rounds of chemo and each one was different. Some a push and some were infusion. Each one was different.

Hope yours is going well. Each doctor is different as is everyone's bout with cancer.

Wish you the best.

Carol

Just_lori6 · January 2016

christald21 said:
Chemo
I was diagnosed with stage 3. I know everyone is different, and different treatments. I didn't have surgery until i was done with Chemo. My first treatment was for 6 hours because they had to moniter with almost every medicine they gave me, for instant side effects. After the first treatment I only had to go for 3 hours a session. I had to go every 21 days. Are you going every 3 weeks for treatment or are they sooner.

If i were you, any questions, i would call your doctor, or even talk to the Dr.s Nurse.

Good luck with everything. I know how chemo is and it is a ****. They do have drugs for all the nausea and side effects, but still taking pills suck too. I know what your going through. Hang in there, it will be over soon. I know, right now it feels like forever because i felt the same way. Now that is has been 3 months, I have gotten all my taste buds back, my energy, my hair is growing back, and no more nausea,,,

You will soon experience this!!

Thanks

Thank you Chriastald21 for the advise~ sorry for taking a while to get back. F My 3rd chemo has been canceled because my white count is too low. I go every two weeks. I did speak to my doctor & I understand about the differences in treatments now. It's funny how we are all the same & different at the same time.

Thanks again~ I haven't been back here I guess due to feeling down. My hair is falling out, can't taste anything & Ive only had 2 treatments & even though I dread chemo I am disappointed that my 3rd is canceled as I want to get it over with. So coming back today reading your message to me has made me feel better. Like there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Hope your New Year is going wonderful!

Just_lori6 · January 2016

Puffin2014 said:
volume of chemo
I'm a nurse - volume of the chemo and how long it infuses has nothing to do with how powerful it is at fighting the cancer. The "red demon" is called that because that's what it is - a very strong powerful cancer med.

8)

Hi Puffin, I knew you must be in the medical field as you know so much & have the best advise.

Thanks as always~ I read your posts to other ladies questions because you know so much & every little bit helps.

I hope your New Year is off to a great start~

Just_lori6 · January 2016

desertgirl947 said:
I went every other week for a
I went every other week for a total of 8 infusions -- 4 of adriamycin (or something like that)/cytoxan, and 4 of taxol. Before THE chemo drug itself, I was given a small cup with some pills in it (I forget the names of those drugs) and then a small drip. I think that they were to help minimize the side effects. One of the NPs told me at one point that I had enough "anti-puke" meds in that to carry from Monday through Wednesday. So, I didn't take anything, other that a few days of a steroid, until Wednesday night or Thursday morning. The anti-puke drugs (pills) I did take worked well. I only needed them during the AC phase. At worse, I had a few days of queasiness. My NP/Onc said that if my pills did not do the trick to let them know. They would change the prescription to something else.

One thing about length of time has to do with the speed of the drip. I say that because I had a little trouble with the taxol the last two times. They had to stop the drip, give me a small bag of benadryl and then re-try. If things went well, then I could finish that round. If things still went awry, the session would end and the onc would have to try something else and I return the following Monday. The last infusion, the med people gave me that extra bag of benadryl at the start to ward off a similar problem as the time before. BUT, again I had a reaction. They stopped the drip, gave me a small bag drip of demoryl (something like that). They resumed the taxol, but slowed the drip down considerably to see how things would go. After about 10 minutes, I had had no reaction, and so they upped the drip a little more. It was not at the initial rate, but the goal was to get me through it AND done with chemo.

I could never start infusions until the onc arrived (satellite center). He often was running late, as he had to travel about a half hour from the med center. So, although I was to be at the place at 10:00, I often did not get started until 10:30-10:45. I got done quicker with the AC than with the Taxol. So, initially, I was on my way home between 1:00-1:30. That final taxol, with all the preliminaries and still a problem and then a slowed drip . . . I was there until about 3:30 or 4:00.

I have come to the conclusion that different med people do all of this differently, and so it is difficult to give you a definite answer to questions you may have. BUT, I do know that whatever we all share here gives you some ideas of what you may encounter. Even with that, there are still apt to be surprises. For me, it was that taxol usually gets that negative reaction the first time it is given, not the third and fourth times . . . A had a few other surprises, but those were more along the lines of side effects that may have come from either the AC or the taxol OR all three together.

Hello

Hi Desert Girl,

Thanks, I am the same ( AC 4 times every other week and taxol 4 times every other week). Then I will start radiation. It's funny how we are all the same and different.

My anti puke drugs work good. I just have alot of muscle pain after the neupogen shots but I have some pain meds left over from my surgery & they help.

I agree... everyone may have a similar situation or completely different but no matter because all the information we give and get helps so much. I check in just to read questions & answers because it's often hard to get through & this site always helps me.

So far I seem to end up with the common side effects. I've started losing my hair, can't taste food & a sore in my mouth.

I'm hoping when I get to the taxol it is easier than the AC. I've only had two AC & my 3rd has been rescheduled due to low white cell count. I am bummed as I want it over with soon.

Thanks for all your advise~ you guys have helped me get this far.

Today I feel like this is never going to end but reading yours & others cases have made me feel like there will be an end~

Just_lori6 · January 2016

Teach76 said:
Chemo timing
Hi, Lori

As you stated, others are not being treated for the same dx. You are receiving just what your onco ordered. Glad you are feeling well with treatments, and side effects are manageable. I found that my side effects became predictable, but the muscle fatigue increased exponentially. Now, this may not happen to you. Each patient is different, and even if 2 people receive the same meds, they may not have the same SE.

Take care,

Kathy

8)

Thank you Kathy,

I have muscle pain. The first time it was pretty bad (felt like someone beat me up) but the next time I took some left over pain meds from my surgery & felt much better. I was hoping after my 3rd treatment I would have all my side effects figured out so I could manage them but my 3rd has been rescheduled due to low white count. I am bummed but going to try to rest more & eat better (haven't eaten much since I can't taste it), so I can get into the 3rd treatment as well as the rest of them & get this over with.

Thanks again~ Happy Healthy New Year!

Lori

Just_lori6 · January 2016

camul said:
that was like mine at one time.
I got Cytoxin and the Red Devil, which is the iv push real name Adriamycin. I had it again, the Adriamycin again with just the anti nausea 2 1/2 years ago. I have had 6 different rounds of chemo and each one was different. Some a push and some were infusion. Each one was different.

Hope yours is going well. Each doctor is different as is everyone's bout with cancer.

Wish you the best.

Carol

Smile

Thank you Carol,

My chemo is going well, except my 3rd has been rescheduled due to low white count. I should not complain only having to go through chemo once so far. You & others have gone through so much and manage to keep going all the while helping me with advise. Thanks to you & everyone who offers support & helps me get through each day.

Thinking of you Carol and wishing you the BEST!

♡~Lori

Puffin2014 · January 2016

Just_lori6 said:
Smile
Thank you Carol,

My chemo is going well, except my 3rd has been rescheduled due to low white count. I should not complain only having to go through chemo once so far. You & others have gone through so much and manage to keep going all the while helping me with advise. Thanks to you & everyone who offers support & helps me get through each day.

Thinking of you Carol and wishing you the BEST!

♡~Lori

pain from neupogen

Many of us have found that taking over the counter regular Claritin (or the generic loratadine) helped with the pain from neulasta or neupogen. Check with your onc if he/she has any objections to you trying one pill a day

don't mess around with the mouth sores, rinse with salt and baking soda water several times a day. have Dr check and make sure it's not a yeast infection sore as that would need an antifungal mouth rinse

Not Much Chemo maybe?

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